SB545: Master Settlement Agreement; regulation of cigarette manufacturers.

Chief Patron

Sen. Robert Hurt (R-19)

Robert Hurt (R-19)
Chatham, VA
Served: 2007–

Progress

	Introduced
	Passed Committee
	Passed House
	Passed Senate
	Signed by Governor
	Became Law

Status

03/27/2008: signed by governor

View Entire History

Summary

Master Settlement Agreement; regulation of cigarette manufacturers.  Makes several changes to enhance the regulation of cigarette manufacturers and stamping agents and enforcement provisions. Changes include (i) establishing a bonding requirement for newly qualified and elevated risk nonparticipating tobacco manufacturers, (ii) authorizing the Attorney General to conduct audits and investigations for compliance with the requirements of the Master Settlement Agreement, (iii) requiring nonparticipating manufacturers located outside of the United States to appoint an agent in the state, and (iv) providing for the joint and several liability of nonparticipating manufacturers whose cigarettes are sold in Virginia and their importers for the deposit of required escrow payments.  Under the bill, tobacco product manufacturers that are poor compliance risks or are not in compliance with the requirements of the Master Settlement Agreement may not be listed on the Virginia Tobacco Directory.  The bill also exempts from FOIA records of the Office of the Attorney General acting pursuant to its enforcement authority under the Master Settlement Agreement, to the extent that such records contain reports, affidavits, correspondence, or other information submitted by a private business entity or principal thereof to the Office of the Attorney General.